Privacy Policy | Pelsmakher Law

Last updated: September 9, 2026

By submitting personal information to Pelsmakher Law or our service providers and agents, you consent to our collection, use, and disclosure of such personal information as set out in this Privacy Policy and as permitted or required by law. Subject to legal and contractual requirements, you may refuse or withdraw your consent to certain identified purposes at any time by contacting our Privacy Officer.

If you refuse or withdraw your consent, we may not be able to provide you with or continue to provide you with certain services or information which may be of value to you.

If you provide Pelsmakher Law or our service providers and agents with personal information of another individual, you represent that you have all necessary authority and/or have obtained all necessary consents from such person to enable us to collect, use, and disclose such personal information for the purposes set forth in this Privacy Policy.

Important Notice: This Website Does Not Establish Solicitor-Client Privilege

By viewing this website or submitting a consultation request, you are not establishing a solicitor-client relationship with Pelsmakher Law. Solicitor-client privilege applies only after a retainer agreement is signed and a formal engagement begins.

Information you provide through this website, including through the "Book a Consultation" feature, is not protected by solicitor-client privilege unless and until a formal retainer agreement is in place and you have engaged Pelsmakher Law as your solicitor. Do not submit confidential, sensitive, or privileged information through this website unless you have already engaged Pelsmakher Law in writing.

1. Who We Are and Compliance Framework

Pelsmakher Law is a law practice in Ontario regulated by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). We practise employment law on behalf of both employers and employees. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you interact with our website at pelslaw.ca and when you contact us for consultation services.

This Privacy Policy is a statement of principles and guidelines concerning the protection of personal information of our clients, prospective clients, website visitors, and other individuals. It complies with:

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
The Law Society of Ontario Rules of Professional Conduct
Applicable Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial privacy legislation

2. Definition of Personal Information

Personal Information is information about an identifiable individual as defined in applicable privacy legislation, including information that allows an individual to be identified.

Personal Information includes but is not limited to:

Your name, home address, telephone number, and personal email address
Billing and account information
Information about your legal concern or issue
Information incidental to providing legal advice and services
Information about witnesses, family members, beneficiaries, relevant third parties, employers, or other individuals related to a legal matter

Personal Information does NOT generally include:

Business contact information (your name, title/position, business address, business telephone number, business facsimile, or business email address) used solely for business purposes

3. What Personal Information Do We Collect?

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you use the "Book a Consultation" feature on our website, or communicate with Pelsmakher Law directly, we collect:

Your name
Your personal email address and telephone number
Your home or business address, where you provide it
Whether you are contacting us as an employee or as an employer
Whether you belong to a union, if you choose to tell us
Your description of your legal concern or situation
Any other information you voluntarily provide

If you download a resource from our website, we collect your email address, and whether you asked to receive our newsletter. If you sign up for our newsletter directly, we collect your email address. Requesting a resource does not on its own subscribe you to anything.

When you engage Pelsmakher Law as a client, we also collect:

Billing and account information
Payment information (though payment card details are processed by third-party processors and not retained by us)
Detailed information about your legal matter, circumstances, and objectives
Information about relevant third parties (employers, witnesses, family members, beneficiaries, opposing parties, and others)
Communications and instructions from you regarding your legal matter

You should not include sensitive personal information such as:

Financial account numbers or credit card information (except through secure payment processors)
Health or medical information (unless directly relevant to your legal matter and necessary for our representation)
Government-issued ID numbers (unless directly relevant to your legal matter and necessary for our representation)
Information you consider legally privileged or confidential, unless a retainer agreement is already in place

3.3 Information Collected from Third Parties

We may collect personal information about you or relevant third parties from:

Previous employers and former counsel
Government agencies and public records
Credit reporting agencies and debt collectors
Publicly available sources
Other third parties with whom we have a professional relationship

4. Why Do We Collect Your Personal Information?

Pelsmakher Law may collect, use, and disclose personal information about clients, prospective clients, and website visitors for the following purposes:

4.1 Providing Legal Services

To establish and manage client relationships
To provide legal advice and perform legal services
To fulfill our legal duties to you as your solicitors
To identify and avoid potential conflicts of interest
To evaluate whether we can assist with your legal matter
To share information by and between Pelsmakher Law personnel for the provision of legal services

4.2 Third-Party Communications

To share personal information to and from third parties for the purpose of providing legal services, which may include:

Opposing parties and their counsel
Witnesses and relevant third parties
Government agencies, regulators, and decision-makers
Experts, investigators, and other professional advisors
Your employers, family members, or business partners (where relevant to your legal matter)

4.3 Business and Relationship Management

To establish and maintain commercial relationships with clients and service providers
To evaluate creditworthiness and collect payments for services rendered
To issue invoices, administer accounts, and process payments
To fulfill contractual obligations and enforce our rights

4.4 Service Development and Improvement

To understand and respond to client needs and preferences
To contact and communicate with clients, service providers, and other parties
To conduct surveys, research, and evaluations of our services
To develop, enhance, market, and improve Pelsmakher Law's services and website
To develop and maintain knowledge-management and precedent systems and databases

4.5 Marketing and Communications

To develop our business and operations
To distribute Legal Update newsletters and other informational communications
To collect prospective client information, submitted on the website to book a consultation with Pelsmakher Law
To inform you of seminars, events, and other material that may be of interest
To market our services and products
To communicate about developments in employment law and legal services that may benefit you

4.6 Compliance and Risk Management

To detect and protect Pelsmakher Law and other third parties against error, negligence, breach of contract, fraud, theft, and other illegal activity
To audit compliance with Pelsmakher Law policies and contractual obligations
To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
To comply with court orders, Law Society of Ontario requirements, and government inquiries
To maintain records required by law, professional standards, or limitation periods

4.7 Business Transactions

To engage in business transactions, including the purchase, sale, lease, merger, or other acquisition of Pelsmakher Law or its assets

4.8 Other Purposes

For any other purpose to which you consent in writing
As permitted or required by law

5. To Whom Do We Disclose Your Personal Information?

Pelsmakher Law may disclose your personal information to the following categories of recipients:

5.1 Service Providers

Organizations or individuals retained by Pelsmakher Law to perform functions on its behalf, including:

Document management and office services
Marketing, data processing, and communication services
Website hosting
Email service providers
Payment processors and financial institutions
IT support and cybersecurity services

We ensure through our agreements with service providers that all personal information is kept secure and is used only for the purposes we specify.

5.2 Credit and Collection Services

Organizations or individuals retained to evaluate your creditworthiness
Debt collection agencies and credit reporting agencies
Financial institutions (on a confidential basis and solely in connection with the assignment of a right to receive payment or provision of financing)

5.3 Regulatory and Professional Bodies

Law Society of Ontario and other provincial law societies
Insurance providers and professional liability insurers
Government agencies and regulatory authorities
Courts and judicial officers

5.4 Agents and Third Parties

A person who, in our reasonable judgment, is providing or seeking information as your agent
Personnel within Pelsmakher Law with a legitimate need to know
Any third party to which you consent to disclosure
Any third party where disclosure is required or permitted by law

5.5 Other Disclosures

Third parties as required by law, court order, or government authority
Third parties in connection with establishing, managing, or terminating employment, contractual, or partnership relationships
Opposing parties, their counsel, and relevant witnesses in the course of legal proceedings

6. International and Cross-Border Data Handling

6.1 Storage Locations

Your personal information is stored in secured locations controlled by Pelsmakher Law, located at our offices or at the offices of our service providers. Your information may be stored in Canada, the United States, or other jurisdictions. Pelsmakher Law utilizes digital storage, word processing, and communication systems, such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace software, and your data may be stored with those respective service providers on their servers located in the United States, or elsewhere. All reasonable steps are taken to preserve confidentiality, however, Pelsmakher Law does not provide any absolute assurances or guarantees with respect to privacy and information provided by customers, clients, or other individuals, and is not be responsible for privacy or data breaches from hacking or phishing attempts, privacy leaks, or any other such nefarious occurrences which may impact Pelsmakher Law, or the information stored and utilized by Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, as provided by Pelsmakher Law.

6.2 Cross-Border Disclosure Risk

Your personal information may be disclosed to, and accessed by, government authorities, regulators, courts, and law enforcement authorities in Canada, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other jurisdictions or countries.

If your personal information is stored in the United States (including on US-based email or cloud servers), it may be subject to US government surveillance or access under US law, including but not limited to the US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and the USA PATRIOT Act. The US government may access your information for national security or law enforcement purposes without notice to you or legal process.

By providing your personal information and using our services, you acknowledge and accept this risk. If you have concerns about cross-border data transfer or US government access, please contact our Privacy Officer (Simon Pelsmakher, simon@pelslaw.ca) to discuss alternative arrangements before providing sensitive information.

7. How We Protect Your Personal Information

7.1 Administrative and Technological Safeguards

Pelsmakher Law employs administrative, physical, and technological safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of your personal information:

Limiting access to information to personnel with a legitimate need to know
Using secure email and communication channels
Maintaining locked file cabinets and secure office facilities
Implementing password-protected systems and encrypted data storage
Regular security reviews and risk assessments
Contractual confidentiality obligations for all service providers with access to personal information

7.2 No Absolute Guarantee of Security

No method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we use industry-standard security measures, we cannot guarantee the absolute security of information transmitted through this website, by email, or through other electronic channels. Information may be intercepted, accessed, or altered by unauthorized parties during transmission, storage, or processing.

By using this website and contacting us electronically, you acknowledge and accept this risk. If you have concerns about the security of sensitive information you wish to share, please contact us by telephone before submitting details through electronic channels.

7.3 Email Communications

Email is not a secure form of communication. We recommend against sending highly sensitive or confidential information by email. If you need to communicate about your legal matter securely, please call us at (647) 992-0296 to discuss more secure communication options.

7.4 Data De-identification

Where practicable, Pelsmakher Law may de-identify or anonymize personal information for statistical analysis, research, or other purposes. De-identified information is no longer subject to this Privacy Policy.

8. Privacy and Our Website

8.1 Cookies and Tracking

At this time, pelslaw.ca does not use cookies. We also do not use analytics tools, advertising trackers, or third-party tracking pixels such as Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel. We do not build profiles of visitors, and we do not track you across other websites.

What is a cookie? A cookie is a small text file containing a unique identification number that identifies the visitor's browser to a website each time it is visited. Visitors can reset their browser to notify them when they receive a cookie, or to refuse cookies entirely.

If we introduce cookies or analytics in future, we will update this Privacy Policy before doing so.

Our hosting provider maintains standard server logs, which can include your IP address, browser type, and the pages requested. These logs exist for security, reliability, and troubleshooting, as they do with any website host.

8.3 Email Communications

Occasionally, we may send marketing, promotional, or informational email communications to you regarding:

Services offered by Pelsmakher Law
Updates on employment law and legal developments
Information and opportunities that may be useful to you
Seminars, events, and other educational materials
Legal updates and newsletters

Email tracking: In these email communications, we may collect certain information, including:

Date and time you open our email communications
Number of times you open our email communications
Number of click-throughs per article
Total click-through activity on the contents of our email communications
Engagement metrics and related statistics

Use of email data: We compile and store email engagement data to manage and improve our email communications to you, personalize content, and understand audience interests.

Unsubscribe rights: All marketing, promotional, and informational emails will include clear instructions on how to unsubscribe. You may opt out of receiving any future marketing or promotional emails from Pelsmakher Law at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in the email or by contacting our Privacy Officer.

Note: Even if you unsubscribe from marketing communications, we may still send you transactional emails (e.g., regarding your consultation request or legal engagement) or legal notices.

8.4 Online Consultation Requests

When you submit the "Book a Consultation" form on pelslaw.ca, we collect your personal information to:

Respond to your inquiry
Evaluate whether Pelsmakher Law can assist with your legal matter
Identify and resolve conflicts of interest
Determine if a formal retainer is appropriate
Schedule an appointment or consultation

Your form submission is delivered directly into our own email system. It is not handled or stored by a third-party form service. You understand, acknowledge, and agree, that any information submitted through the "Book a Consultation" form on pelslaw.ca is not protected by solicitor-client privilege, may be shared with the lawyers and staff at Pelsmakher Law, and that Pelsmakher Law does not provide any assurances or guarantees as to how this information may be utilized. Accordingly, if you voluntarily elect to use this feature, please do not include any sensitive and confidential information.

8.5 Third-Party Links

pelslaw.ca may contain links to other websites, provided as a convenience only. These third-party websites are not operated by Pelsmakher Law and may have different privacy policies and practices. Pelsmakher Law has no responsibility for such third-party websites or their privacy practices. We recommend reviewing the privacy policy of any linked website before providing personal information.

9. Data Retention

9.1 Consultation Requests (Prospective Clients)

If you submit a consultation request but do not engage Pelsmakher Law as a client, we retain your information for:

A reasonable period to respond to your inquiry and conduct our initial assessment (typically 30 days)
Any follow-up communication you initiate or that we reasonably believe is necessary
As long as necessary to comply with our professional obligations or legal requirements

After this period, your information is deleted or de-identified unless:

A formal retainer agreement was signed and you became a client
Legal, regulatory, or professional retention requirements apply
Information is needed to resolve a dispute or claim
Information is needed for fraud prevention or security purposes

9.2 Client Information

Once you engage Pelsmakher Law as a client, your file and associated personal information are retained in accordance with:

The Law Society of Ontario Rules of Professional Conduct
Applicable limitation periods under Ontario law and other relevant jurisdiction
Your instructions
Our professional judgment regarding the need to retain records

Minimum retention period: We retain closed client files for a minimum of seven (7) years from the closing date to comply with limitation periods and to preserve our ability to respond to future claims or inquiries.

Longer retention: Depending on the nature of your legal matter, applicable limitation periods, and professional standards, we may retain your information for longer periods.

9.4 Marketing Lists and Communications

If you have opted in to receive newsletters or marketing communications from Pelsmakher Law, we retain your contact information until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent. You may unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link in any email or by contacting our Privacy Officer.

10. Your Rights Under PIPEDA and Applicable Privacy Laws

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

10.1 Right to Access

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you. We will inform you of the existence, use, and disclosure of your personal information and will provide you access to that information, subject to certain exceptions under PIPEDA and applicable law.

Access requests: Send your written request to our Privacy Officer (contact information below). We will respond within 30 days of receiving your request or will provide a written explanation if we cannot do so within that timeframe.

10.2 Right to Correction

If you believe personal information we hold about you is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated, you may request that we correct it. We will make the correction within a reasonable time or will provide you with a written explanation if we cannot do so. If we decline to correct your information, you may request that we note your correction request in our records.

10.3 Right to Deletion

You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal, professional, and contractual retention requirements. We will delete information within a reasonable time unless we are required or justified in retaining it under applicable law, professional standards, or contractual obligations.

Limitations: Please note that we may not be able to delete information if:

Retention is required by law (e.g., limitation periods)
We have a professional obligation to retain it under LSO rules
Deletion would interfere with legal proceedings
Information is required for fraud prevention or security

10.4 Right to Withdraw Consent

If you have provided consent for us to use your personal information in a particular way, you may withdraw that consent at any time by contacting our Privacy Officer in writing. We will cease the use for which consent was withdrawn, except where we are required or justified in continuing the use under applicable law or professional obligations.

Consequences: Please note that withdrawing consent may affect our ability to provide services to you or may limit the services we can provide.

10.5 Right to Complain

If you believe Pelsmakher Law has mishandled your personal information or has failed to comply with applicable privacy legislation, you may lodge a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. See Section 16 for contact information.

11. How to Exercise Your Rights and Contact Our Privacy Officer

To access, correct, delete, or make any request regarding your personal information, or to withdraw consent, please contact:

Pelsmakher Law, Privacy Officer
Simon Pelsmakher, Founder & Principal Lawyer of Pelsmakher Law
simon@pelslaw.ca
(647) 992-0296
507 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1M3

Please include:

Your name and contact information
A clear description of your request
Relevant details about the personal information in question
Your preferred method of response

We will respond within 30 days of receiving your request or will inform you if we need additional time to gather information or consult with third parties.

12. Third-Party Service Providers

12.1 Website Forms

Service Provider: None. Submissions from the forms on pelslaw.ca are delivered directly into our own email system (see 12.2). We do not use a third-party form-handling service, and no outside provider receives or stores a copy of what you write.
Data Retention: Because no third party handles the submission, retention is governed by our own practices for email correspondence, described in Section 9.
Security: Submissions are transmitted over an encrypted connection.

12.2 Email Hosting and Communication

Service Provider: Google
Location: United States
Purpose: Delivers emails between you and Pelsmakher Law, stores correspondence, and receives submissions made through the forms on pelslaw.ca
Data Retention: Email remains on our provider's servers until deleted or archived by us
Security: Standard email encryption and access controls

12.3 Website Hosting

Service Provider: Cloudflare
Location: United States
Purpose: Hosts pelslaw.ca and maintains website functionality and security
Data Retention: Server logs retained for security and troubleshooting (typically 30 days)

12.4 Website Analytics

We do not use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or similar third-party advertising-based analytics.

12.5 Payment Processing

Service Provider: Square and CosmolexPay
Location: United States
Purpose: Processes payments for legal services rendered
Data: We do not store or retain your payment card information. Payment details are provided directly to the payment processor and are governed by their privacy policy
Security: Payment processors comply with industry standards such as PCI-DSS

12.6 General Service Provider Obligations

All service providers with access to personal information are contractually obligated to:

Maintain the confidentiality of personal information
Use personal information only for the purposes we specify
Implement appropriate security measures
Comply with applicable privacy and data protection laws
Not disclose personal information to third parties without our authorization
Return or delete personal information upon termination of the service relationship

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Pelsmakher Law reserves the right to modify or supplement this Privacy Policy at any time. If we make changes to this Privacy Policy, we will:

Post the updated policy on pelslaw.ca with a new "Last Updated" date
Make the revised policy available upon request
Obtain necessary consents required under applicable privacy laws if we seek to collect, use, or disclose your personal information for purposes other than those to which consent has already been obtained

Your continued use of pelslaw.ca following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

If material changes affect how we handle your personal information, we will notify you by email or prominent notice on the website.

14. Specific Notices for Clients

14.1 Solicitor-Client Privilege vs. Website Communications

Important distinction: Solicitor-client privilege applies only to communications between you and Pelsmakher Law after a formal retainer agreement is in place. Communications through this website or before retainer signature are not privileged and are not protected by solicitor-client privilege.

14.2 Additional Obligations for Clients

Once you engage Pelsmakher Law as a client, additional privacy and confidentiality obligations will apply beyond this Privacy Policy, as outlined in:

Your retainer agreement
Applicable Law Society of Ontario Rules of Professional Conduct
This Privacy Policy (which continues to apply)

15. Contact Information and Further Inquiries

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or Pelsmakher Law's privacy practices, please contact:

Pelsmakher Law, Privacy Officer
Simon Pelsmakher, Founder & Principal Lawyer of Pelsmakher Law
simon@pelslaw.ca
(647) 992-0296
www.pelslaw.ca
507 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1M3

Regulatory Information:

Regulated by: Law Society of Ontario
LSO Contact: Law Society of Ontario, 130 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 2N6; Phone: 416-947-3300; www.lso.ca
Professional Liability Insurance: Available upon request

16. Privacy Commissioner Complaints

If you have unresolved privacy concerns or wish to file a complaint, you may contact:

Privacy Commissioner of Canada
30 Victoria Street, Gatineau, QC K1A 1H8
Phone: 1-800-282-1376 (toll-free)
Email: info@priv.gc.ca
Website: www.priv.gc.ca
Online complaint form: www.priv.gc.ca/en/report-a-concern

The Privacy Commissioner investigates complaints and may make recommendations to organizations about their privacy practices.

17. Scope of This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to:

pelslaw.ca and all pages and services accessible through the website
Consultation requests submitted through the website's "Book a Consultation" feature
Resource downloads and newsletter signups made through the website
Communications with Pelsmakher Law via email or telephone relating to prospective legal services

Additional agreements apply if you engage Pelsmakher Law as a client:

Your retainer agreement will contain additional confidentiality and privacy terms specific to your engagement
The Law Society of Ontario Rules of Professional Conduct will govern Pelsmakher Law's handling of your personal information and file materials
This Privacy Policy continues to apply alongside your retainer agreement

Privacy policy.

Consent and Authority